What does it mean to be an artist in a world facing climate crises, social inequality, cultural polarization, and the challenges of navigating political correctness? How do artists reconcile the demand for creative freedom with the expectations of ethics, activism, and representation? Should art merely reflect reality, or does it have a duty to challenge, heal, and inspire? Eight diverse artists across the globe—Ayuna, Mirza Cizmic, Mike Ryczek, Eleanor Mill, Marianna Maslova, Kevin Schott, Kirsty Harris, and Joey Toogood—share the artist thoughts on these urgent questions.

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Ethics vs. Freedom: Where Does Responsibility Begin?

This question has gained greater prominence in a world where art is more accessible and controversial than ever before. Across the globe, public outrage has erupted over works accused of glamorizing violence, exploiting marginalized communities, or promoting divisive ideologies. These debates spotlight the precarious balance between creative freedom and ethical accountability, revealing the power of art to shape public opinion and influence societal values. Take, for instance, works that romanticize destructive behavior or glorify criminal figures. Some argue that such portrayals are purely fictional or symbolic, serving to provoke thought and ignite conversation. Yet, critics contend that these depictions risk normalizing harmful actions, particularly when consumed uncritically by a wide and diverse audience. Social media platforms have only amplified this dynamic, making controversial works go viral and blurring the lines between critique, celebration, and mere spectacle.

Ayuna’s perspective resonates deeply within this framework, argueing  that art has often been weaponized to dehumanize individuals and blur moral boundaries, leading to societal consequences such as copycat crimes. Ayuna believes that while provocation can spark critical thought, artists must reflect on the cultural and educational level of the artist audiences, raising the contentious question of whether it is possible for an artist to separate the artist ideas from the artist work. Acknowledging that personal lives should not dictate the strictest standards, the artist insists that creators who commit inhumane acts should be held accountable. Ayuna's views, resonate in controversies surrounding art that glamorizes violence or trivializes historical trauma:

"In my opinion, there are too many artists who create immoral work in the name of artistic freedom. Some people ask why art should be ethical, but because in the past we thought that art and ethics were two separate things, there have been many works that use art as a weapon to dehumanise people, and society has been influenced by this, which has led to an increase in copycat crimes. The sense of ethics has also become blurred."

Personal Expression vs. Collective Responsibility: Should Artists Serve Society?

What responsibilities do artists hold toward society when their primary goal is self-expression? This question becomes more complex in an era where personal narratives often intersect with global issues. For some, art is an intimate exploration of emotions, thoughts, and experiences—a journey of individual discovery rather than a platform for social commentary. However, others argue that this personal focus does not absolve artists of their societal responsibilities, especially when their work reaches large and diverse audiences. Mirza Cizmic articulates this tension, describing art as a medium to:

“...convey emotions, thoughts, and experiences. The objective is to communicate with the inner world and personal narratives. To raise awareness, provoke thought, or engage the viewer's senses creating visual experiences and learning from the audiences’ interpretations.”

At the same time, the pressure for artists to “respond” to societal issues risks seems to reduce creativity to obligation. While some artists feel compelled to use their platform for advocacy, others resist this expectation, arguing that art’s value lies in its ability to transcend politics and speak to universal truths. This tension underscores a fundamental question: Can art remain personal in a world that increasingly demands it to be political?

For Mike Ryczek and others, the answer lies in embracing complexity. Art does not need to offer solutions or align with a specific agenda to hold value. Instead, it can serve as a space for reflection, dialogue, and emotional resonance, inviting audiences to grapple with questions rather than prescribing answers. In this way, artists can honor their individual journeys while contributing to the broader cultural discourse, striking a delicate balance between personal expression and social responsibility. As Ryczek notes:

“...a reclusive painter whose priorities remain indulging my own obsessions, I don’t personally feel a responsibility to the public nor do I feel they have a responsibility to make sure I can continue doing what I do. Regarding our role in society - one where we are seeing AI software generating authentic-looking digital artwork and encroaching on the human ability to draw connections between seemingly unrelated concepts and “create” something unique - the role of the artist is an increasingly complex thing to define…As we all continue down the path of becoming more socially isolated than the previous generation, technology will only continue to make us feel more alone and miserable if we let it. Most artists are unusually passionate people who yearn to connect with others in a meaningful way but generally suck at doing so in conventional ways, so they either destroy themselves or create out of necessity. In this way, even if it is often rooted in a kind of selfishness, artists have the power to share their truths in ways that might make other people feel less alone and encourage them to embrace their own imperfect nature, which is something that society - today’s and yesterday’s - has generally discouraged.”

Art as Activism: Is Activism an Artist’s Duty?

Art has the power to transform societies, challenge norms, and inspire collective action, and Eleanor Mill provides a compelling example of this potential. In a recent protest against unsustainable urban development in Saint Petersburg, artists came together to protect a cherished green space from demolition. Through exhibitions and public demonstrations, the collective effort not only postponed the destruction but also showcased a vision for sustainable urban living. “Artists can draw attention to problems in ways that are easier and unexpected,” notes Eleanor, highlighting the unique role of creativity in shaping public discourse. This form of activism aligns with broader trends in the art world. Increasingly, art is being used to address pressing global challenges, from climate change to social inequality. For instance, public installations and performances during climate summits have raised awareness about the urgency of environmental action, while art addressing racial justice has spurred critical conversations about systemic oppression. These works often transcend traditional gallery spaces, entering streets, social media, and digital platforms to reach diverse audiences. As Eleanor says:

“Artists play a role in the formation of culture, sometimes reflecting on community demand, sometimes turning attention to a new direction. Art is everywhere, in daily content that we are consuming, in fashion, in movies, and walking through the city we are surrounded by art. A smartphone in my hand is a piece of art too! It’s said, ‘We are what we eat’. In that meaning art of our everyday life makes the responsibility of artists is highly requested. It is dubious to me that an artist can have an influence on raising society's morals, but they definitely can successfully ask thought-provoking questions. An artist can sometimes draw attention to a problem in an easier and unexpected way.”

This activist role comes with its own challenges. Critics argue that overtly political art risks alienating viewers or oversimplifying complex issues. Others question the effectiveness of artistic interventions, particularly when compared to direct action or policy advocacy. Yet, the emotional and symbolic resonance of art can make it a powerful catalyst for change. By evoking empathy and challenging entrenched perspectives, art can inspire individuals to rethink their values and take action. Marianna Maslova’s experiences in war-torn Ukraine underscore the stakes of this discussion.

“Every Ukrainian artist’s voice is a voice about Ukraine. At different levels, with different stories, we tell about what is happening to us now - with emotions or concepts, with excitement or seriousness.  Artists have an incredible influence, but it is not instantaneous, it is an influence on generations to come, it is the creation of new meanings.  This is not only the creation of aesthetics and beauty. It is a rethinking of history, decolonization and creation of a new one based on what we have forgotten or lost during the years of occupation. I know so many Ukrainian artists who in many ways help Ukrainians. We make auctions, sell our artwork and donate to volunteers and foundations. It is something concrete and real. And also an important moment - What should artists who represent the aggressor country do? Should they openly broadcast their position? Do they have the right to protect and fence off their fellow citizens? Do they have responsibility for what is happening in their country? After all, the artist is the one who creates these meanings."

Art as Community Service: What Role Does Art Play in Strengthening Society?

Art has long been a vital force in creating connections and fostering a sense of belonging. But in today’s fragmented and fast-paced world, this role has taken on a renewed significance. As communities grapple with challenges such as economic inequality, social isolation, and the erosion of public spaces, artists are stepping in to provide creative solutions that strengthen bonds and inspire collective resilience. Kevin Schott views this role through the lens of mutual exchange, where artists as “a kind of service provider for society.” Kevin believes that art reflects society’s current state while offering opportunities for growth and reflection. In marginalized communities, participatory art projects empower individuals and foster a sense of belonging. Kevin stresses the importance of making art accessible to all, regardless of economic status, to maximize its transformative potential. In Kevin's own words:

“For me, artists are a kind of service provider for society. However, as an artist, you are not only paid with money but also with inspiration and appreciation. As an artist, you consume society in its current state and reflect it in your artistic work. Society, on the other hand, can learn something about itself from the work of artists and grow from it. In this respect, I think that there is a certain mutual responsibility and that artistic work must be accessible to everyone, regardless of their purchasing power.”

Kirsty Harris exemplifies this communal role through the artist work at Whitechapel Gallery. During a workshop with teenagers from low-income backgrounds, the artist facilitated the design and painting of T-shirts. What began as a creative exercise evolved into discussions about entrepreneurship and self-expression. In Kirtsy’s own words:

“The personal is political so if it’s not immediately obvious in the work, you just have to look more carefully. The art that is put out every day is a reflection of that artist’s world, whether the physical world or the world inside their head and what they think about and feel. In some ways, they are filtering all their experiences to date. Some of it may also be reflecting the concerns of a big gallery and that particular “art world” and on the other end are outsider artists who continue making (amazing) work with no concerns about progressing their artistic career. This can feel very pure and thrilling. Dumbing down art to make it easy to grasp is not the way, however, the text accompanying the art should be much more accessible so the public can get more involved in it. How often do we read a handout and not feel anything or be any the wiser about why the artist chose these materials or why it is this particular scale, basic sh*t that we all want to know.” 

Art’s healing power also plays a crucial role in its communal impact. Eleanor Mill observes that:

“It has a healing effect that works both ways: for a creator and for a spectator. I have been told many times that watching a painting brings pleasure, calms, and improves mood. There is no talk about political agenda or solving social issues, but it is a very important point too. Artists are part of society with their own tasks. We can neither be excluded nor be regarded as something special. We do our job. I hope we do our best.”

Rebellion, Representation, and Healing: How Does Art Shape Identity and Foster Resilience?

There is little room here to do this topic justice. We invite you to read Joey Toogood’s full take on this answer below:

“Expressing oneself through creating is an act of rebellion; challenging limitations and expectations in order to define an idea or an identity is an important role of an artist. I strongly believe it is my responsibility to keep the history of women and queer artists alive by creating with honesty and vulnerability; as a woman artist it is important for me to play an active role within the feminist community; my practice allows me to co-exist with my insecurities and celebrate my imperfections. Having a tracheostomy affected my ability and confidence in communication; my voice is quiet and husky. Throughout my teens it really affected me; I withdrew a lot and had very low self-esteem; my physical presence meant I was easily overlooked and I struggled to shake off the “wallflower” mindset I adopted early in life. In my adolescence, I felt like I didn’t stand out in any way and if I did, it wasn't for any outstanding talents or crowd-worthy jokes. It took many years, but I found my voice. Not literally. I will always sound like I’ve chain-smokers a 30-pack before breakfast but at least I’ll own that now.

 

My disability combined with a 5”2, petite build constantly reminds me that I am a threat to no one and it is a mould I am still striving to break but, with the support of my art, I have grown so much. Being queer, disabled and a woman in this society, I am an HR dream; I tick several diversity hire boxes and I will exercise that god given right at any opportunity. I live purely out of spite and I will not go out quietly. It is my intention to exist authentically; I can't be anyone other than me and my art is a reflection of who I am. The older I get and the more I experience, I am learning that it is my role to be a force of self-love and self-acceptance. Embracing my body and sharing personal battles is my act of rebellion in a world that strives to remind me of my place. Society thrives when women are insecure, torn down and in competition with each other. Womanhood isn't a battle to outdo each other and a man is not the prize.

 

I am blessed to be surrounded by so many creative girlfriends who consistently lift each other up, sharing each other's achievements through our social media platforms. Art is a community; in order for us to survive and become successful we have to work together by opening doors for each other. Gatekeeping is out, and supporting the girls is in. Although the battle for women's equality across the world is ongoing, I love this new movement of modern women choosing to pursue their own dreams, childfree, and striving to heal generational wounds passed from grandmother to mother to granddaughter. Decentering our relationships with men is the first step to healing. Being a woman in this society, I am exceedingly grateful that I do not need a man for my survival; I can access my own money, housing and activities freely. With this privilege I have a responsibility to set an example of independence, love and strength; feminism isn't about a war against the sexes but a fight to unite them. It is also a fight to remind women of who they are and who they can become.

 

It is also my mission to represent the significant benefits of creating in a generation that deems art as unessential; this was reinforced in 2019 by COVID-19 and the following national lockdowns. Funding is consistently being cut for the arts, limiting people's access to freedom because that is what art represents; freedom. For so many, creating is a powerful way of expressing an experience or an emotion that exceeds the use of words or boundaries.”

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In a world grappling with complex challenges, artists hold a mirror to society while offering blueprints for its transformation. The reflections in this discussion remind us that art is not merely a reflection of our times but a powerful tool to question, disrupt, and reimagine. Whether through rebellion, healing, or representation, artists carry the responsibility to push boundaries while navigating the delicate balance between personal expression and collective accountability.

Art does not exist in a vacuum; it seeps into culture, politics, and individual lives, shaping identities and influencing futures. The question is not whether artists should engage with societal issues—they already do—but how they choose to wield their influence. Will their work spark empathy or provoke division? Will it inspire resilience or perpetuate harm? These choices, made consciously or unconsciously, ripple far beyond the canvas. As we celebrate the diverse  practices of today’s creators, we are reminded that the role of the artist is as vital as ever. It is a role that demands courage, authenticity, and a willingness to embrace complexity. In doing so, artists not only shape their own narratives but also contribute to the evolving story of humanity itself. 

Danai Papadimitriou, Founder of Artit